1995 Eagle Talon TSI AWD 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Performance and reliability

Faults:

After a couple years the ABS light came on, dealer said it was the computer and would be expensive to replace. I didn't bother and the light turned off after a month or 2. Light has come on briefly since but always shuts off on its own. ABS doesn't work when the light is on.

Passenger door lock somehow fell into the door, easy fix.

Power sunroof is a little touchy every once in a while.

At about 70k the starter would grind, broken tooth or 2.

Clutch wore out at about 140k.

At about 140k I had the only breakdown, a pulley broke. It sounded awful but it still moved enough to get me to a shop.

At about 150k the stock stereo started cutting out and eventually wouldn't put any sound out.

After I ran wiper fluid completely dry last winter and then refilled it, the fluid light stays on.

Driver's seat edge is starting to fray and so are the rubber pedal covers.

Engine isn't as powerful as it used to be and burns a little oil.

General Comments:

I've been driving this for over 12 years, from a recent grad and now have a baby seat in the back. It's been great and is still fun to drive. Used to drive it harder than I do now but it still has power. I've been good about keeping it maintained, synthetic oil every 4k miles or so, a couple timing belts and water pumps, brake jobs, plugs and wires. Have found a great shop and seem to spend about 1000 a year on maintenance. Lots cheaper than a car payment.

Seems like the guys driving these tend to be kids who mod. Mine is almost entirely stock and is super reliable. Hate to get rid of it but it's almost time.